Niger is a land-locked country in West Africa. With a population of 26 million, Niger is one of the world’s poorest countries with 50% living on less than $2.15 per day and surviving on subsistent farming. The country does not have nationalised healthcare and sadly, many people cannot afford the cost of essential healthcare services.  

Last year, SIM celebrated 100 years of ministry in Niger. The team celebrated the transformation the Gospel has brought to people’s lives and also a God who doesn’t change, despite the many changes that have taken place in Niger in the last century.  

Galmi Hospital is a ministry of SIM Niger that has been operating on the edge of the Saraha Desert since 1950. With a desire to display Jesus’ love and compassion to Nigeriens from all walks of life, this 180-bed hospital offers a lifeline to thousands of people who would otherwise have no medical help. It also serves as a training centre for surgical residents from several African countries. The outpatient clinics serve up to 300 men, women and children daily.  

The workers serving in Galmi are motivated to use their expertise and knowledge in healthcare as a bridge to share the love of Jesus. Each day, patients have the opportunity to hear the Gospel message.   

Galmi is the only hospital in the country that provides emergency, life-saving care without requiring payment upfront. SIMaid’s Galmi Benevolent Fund aims to tangibly demonstrate God’s compassionate heart by either reducing or covering the medical fees for patients who are unable to afford them. The hospital has a case manager who assesses families in need of monetary support on a case-by-case basis and allocates financial assistance.   

Every year, the hospital subsidises chemotherapy treatment for certain types of cancers through the Benevolent Fund. One woman who recently received support from the Galmi team is Murna*.  

Murna’s Story  

SIM Australia mission worker, Anne-Sophie, who serves as the Chief Medical Officer and Head of Maternity at Galmi Hospital, recently encountered a young woman with a mystery mass in her pelvis.  

“In my line of work, it’s not unusual for me to see large mystery masses. I’ve operated on women with ovarian cysts that go up to their liver and uterine fibroids that look like 9-month pregnancies. But Murna was different. At only 16 years of age, it’s unusual to have such a large tumour,” Anne-Sophie explained.  

“So, I arranged to do a surgery, we don’t have the benefit of CT scan on site, and normally if we do try to send people to the big city for a CT scan, they don’t go. It’s too expensive and too scary. So, I arranged to do the surgery and found that the mass had already attached itself to the bowel. Even with the help of a general surgeon, we weren’t able to separate it. All I could do was take a biopsy. A week later, the result confirmed a cancer in her uterus. As we waited for Murna’s wound to heal, different members of our team shared with her about Jesus.” 

“During this time, she was able to appreciate His love for her. What a change to have gone from having never heard about Jesus to accepting the salvation that He offers.” 

“She’s had visits at home by the hospital evangelist and my colleague Andy and his family. She’s been listening to the audio Bible that we gave her and her whole face lights up when somebody talks to her about Jesus.”  

Murna had a second surgery last month. SIM Australia mission worker, Andy, explained, “We were glad to have a visiting surgeon from the capital city, a German mission worker. I assisted him for an 8-hour operation as he painstakingly removed the tumour that had invaded Murna's uterus. I was so thankful for his skill and endurance as he cared for this special young woman. I went with my kids to visit her after the operation. It was so hard to see her in a different part of the hospital, struggling with pain, looking so sick. But over a few days she recovered well, and was so determined to get up and walk and get better.” 

He continued, “We don't know what the future holds for Murna. We don't know if she is cured or if the cancer will come back. But we are confident in God's love for her and rejoice in the way she has put her trust in him.” 

“It’s encouraging to share a story like Murna’s because the majority religion has a stronghold over many hearts in Niger,” Anne-Sophie shared. “Many hearts are hardened and don’t change despite hearing about Jesus. Many people experience healing in the name of Jesus, but few people have the courage to leave the majority religion they grew up with and go through rejection from family and society.” 

“But God is at work, he touched Murna’s heart and He has touched other hearts too through the work at Galmi Hospital.” 

*Name changed to protect identity  

 GIVE: Galmi has the heart to extend compassion to more people in Niger who cannot afford lifesaving healthcare. Do you want to financially partner with this project? You can give a tax-deductible gift by visiting sim.org.au/Galmibenevolentfund.  
 
GO: Everyone has a part to play in God's global mission! Do you want to serve with your unique skills and gifts at Galmi Hospital? Get in touch with a Mission Mobiliser today by visiting sim.org.au/talktous.